I've been perusing this forum for the past day or so and feel I have gathered enough information to post a coherent thread. So I want to make my first bike purchase (I was in high school when I had my last bicycle) and all I know, thus far, is that I want a Hybrid bicycle and (if at all possible) to stay under/around $600. The cheaper the better as I am on somewhat of a budget but I would rather wait/save longer for a quality bicycle than purchase an inferior product.

A little about myself/riding situation:
I live in the WNY area (Buffalo)... thanks to the snow and salt, our streets are not what you would call *pristine*.
I'm 6' tall and weigh 200lbs.
My riding, at least to start, would consist of riding to work (7.5mi each way) and riding around my neighborhood for exercise (thinking 30-60 minute rides to start... looking to get into better shape).
I would prefer a bicycle with fenders as I would be commuting with it.
I don't need a million gears (but I don't want single-gear either)... I feel the 7-9 range would be fine for what I'm using the bike for.
I do not want a fixed gear bike.
I don't think I need/want disc brakes.

I have spent several hours researching bikes I've read about on here over the past few days and I believe I have narrowed the list down to a somewhat acceptable number. I was hoping if anyone knew about any of these they may be able to tell me why one would be better than another, etc.

Also, before I list all the bikes I have a question out of pure curiosity/ignorance: are the step-through model bicycles only made for women? And, if so, is there any reason men couldn't ride them? I ask because, to me, it just seems more convenient to have the lower/more accessible frame.

So these are the ones that have enticed me thus far... I think I'm leaning towards the Globe Work 2 personally. I'd love to hear your input and if you know of any similar bicycles to these that you would recommend I would certainly be open to researching those as well!

IMHO, you should ride what you wanna and wear what you wanna, as long as you pay for it legally and have the confidence to sport it!

Okay, I just wasn't sure if there was any actual difference between the diamond and step-through models other than any silly stigma associated with one or the other. I couldn't care less what people think of what I'm riding as long as it suits my needs!

Okay, I just wasn't sure if there was any actual difference between the diamond and step-through models other than any silly stigma associated with one or the other. I couldn't care less what people think of what I'm riding as long as it suits my needs!

In terms of strength, diamond shaped bikes are made structurally stronger than step thrus, due to their cohesive angles. However, that strength would most likely not be tested unless you're involved in some type of an accident. God forbid...